Use of case-based, problem-based and team-based learning in public health education - a scoping review.

objectivesActive learning strategies, including case-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL) and team-based learning (TBL), have been extensively studied in clinical and basic science education; however, their application in public health programmes remains under-explored. Public health professionals address population-level challenges that differ substantially from clinical practice, making it necessary to evaluate whether these pedagogies are effective in this field. This review examines how CBL, PBL and TBL have been used in public health education and what outcomes have been reported.

designScoping review was conducted using the Levac and Colquhoun framework, an adaptation of Arksey and O'Malley's approach. DATA SOURCES, ELIGIBILITY AND EXTRACTION: PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Eligible studies included those involving students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate public health programmes, such as bachelor's or master's programmes in public health, epidemiology and biostatistics, global health, community medicine or health policy as well as employees working in public health-related fields. Data were extracted using a predefined template capturing study characteristics, population characteristics, student satisfaction and study objectives. All articles were thematically analysed.

conclusionActive learning methods enhance critical thinking and problem-solving in public health education but face implementation barriers, including faculty training requirements and resource constraints. Future research should examine long-term outcomes and the integration of emerging technologies.